The Watcher Of The Vines

In the interests of baring my soul and throwing away all pride ... lol ... I thought it might be fun to let you have some insight into how I write songs. Most of my songs start with a line or two and the gradual development of a hook of sorts. In this song it is the 12 string run in the chorus.

This is a song about my dog Nitro, who passed away in 2008. She would sit in the bay window and watch for hours until we would come home - then she would act like she couldn't card less. We have a lot of grape vines and nicknamed our home The Vines. So Nitro became The Watcher of the Vines. I was off work sick one day and sitting in the living room and Nitro was keeping her vigil in the bay window looking for my wife to come home. I came up with the chorus and then wrote an early draft of the lyrics.

At about 2 am that night I had a basic structure of the song and recorded a working file - typical of how I work. I used some loops in Sonar to give me some rhythm and structure and recorded it And added a cheesy electric guitar track to build drama ( I can play a lot better then that). I have never touched the song again ... lol. So what you hear is my working file, sans Autotune or bass line or refinement. The lyrics have changed since then so it doesn't exactly match.

It is such a personal song I have never brought in a good singer or tried to work up a demo. This song is just for me and my wife and my remaining dog Percy- that is him looking out the door in the pic - I don't care if it ever gets finished.

V2
Children through the window
(A timeless lullaby)
Are a blur of colored charm
(Words in soft reply
And lovers go strolling by
(Memories brings a sigh
With hearts locked arm in arm
(Echoes of goodbye)

Chorus
You are the watcher of The Vines
Keeping to your lonely vigil
You're a dreamer
You're a schemer
Bon vivant - and my friend

V3 Our boy Percy: The Watcher of Nitro 1995 - 2009

You came to me in winter
(Gentle won the day )
When I faced a bitter fight
(A friend will surely stay
You soothed my swollen spirit
(Tears will fade away)
Quenched my appetite
(And love is for today)

Bridge
I have taken more than I can ever give
Still you never mind at all
I have taken you for granted my friend
Still, you love me; still you love me
Still, you love me; still you love me
Still, you love me through it all

Chorus
You are the watcher of The Vines
Keeping to your lonely vigil
You're a dreamer
You're a schemer
Bon vivant - and my friend

V4
The Sun is sinking lower
(A timeless lullaby)
It's time for you to go
(A word in soft reply)
I will miss your gentle heart
(Memories bring a sigh)
More than you can know
(Echoes of goodbye)